Over the last several months, Boston Medical Center has faced the COVID-19 pandemic head on, caring for an influx of critically-ill patients. They did so with a slew of dedicated donors who advocated for both the patients disproportionately affected by the virus and the frontline health heroes who cared for them tirelessly and without hesitation. The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation is one partnership in particular stood out among many.
As a longtime friend of BMC, the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation shares a common mission with the hospital: to eliminate health care disparities and improve care for patients in underserved communities. Specifically, the foundation is deeply invested in cancer care and believes treatment should be accessible to everyone at the earliest stage. Prior to COVID-19, the foundation acknowledged BMC’s incredible work in the area of cancer care through two instrumental gifts, which supported Boston’s low-income cancer patients with social services they rely on to thrive. Thanks to their generosity, BMC expanded its Oncology Patient Navigation Program, so it could help even more of Boston’s most vulnerable cancer patients. Specifically, the program reduces barriers, connects patients with community services, helps them better understand complex treatment plans and ensures they stay engaged in their care.
When the COVID-19 pandemic infiltrated Boston and the hospital began receiving a high volume of COVID-positive patients, the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation once again sprang into action by making a significant donation to BMC’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. “We believe that no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all connected. That is why we are taking significant action to help our teams and communities through this crisis,” said Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer, in a press release announcing the brand’s global relief efforts during the height of the pandemic.
This gift prepared BMC for the surge of COVID-positive patients by providing immediate care, and funded programs and services to address housing instability, food insecurity and other disparities that have been amplified by the pandemic. Many patients—which include some of BMC’s most vulnerable cancer patients—will be reeling from the effects of COVID long after the pandemic is over. The foundation’s generosity allows BMC to ease some of these burdens.
The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation didn’t stop there, however, and went one step further to show their appreciation for BMC’s employees. The foundation pledged to gift each BMC staff member a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and hat in recognition of their hard work and dedication during an immensely challenging time.
As BMC and the community continue this uphill battle, they will do so with the support they need—and in style. The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation’s commitment to BMC and its most vulnerable patients is vital in creating a stronger tomorrow, assuring all patients have the care and resources they need to persevere through unprecedented times.
